Being a homeowner comes with many advantages and disadvantages. One difficult part of owning a home is making decisions regarding maintenance and replacements in your home. One of the many such decisions to make is when and whether or not it is time to replace your AC. To help you make that decision, here we list five common signs your unit is nearing the end of its life:
Frequent Breakdowns
If your air conditioner needs frequent repairs in one season, it is probably time to replace the unit. This shouldn’t include simple fixes like changing filters or upgrading the thermostat, but damaged components, refrigerant leaks, or maintenance that needs expert assistance are the signs to look for.
Using an Old Unit
If your heating and cooling unit is more than ten years old, the chances are it is time to retire the unit. An older unit will understandably demand more energy, can break down at any moment, and require refrigerant costs that can be hefty. These can all land you with unexpected repairs or replacements and skyrocketing power bills.
Blowing Warm Air
If your AC doesn’t maintain a cool and comfortable indoor temperature, there is a problem. You can call an expert to suggest necessary fixes but depending on the age of your system, repairs will get more expensive. So, if your AC constantly blows warm air, talk to an HVAC specialist to help you with your options and invest in a new, energy-efficient system.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
When you haven’t made any changes to your home’s energy usage or your energy habits, noticeably increasing power bills are a red flag. Your monthly bills should be consistent every month and only noticeably fluctuate during peak summers or winters. High energy bills indicate a malfunctioning or inefficient AC unit in the house.
R-22 Freon Refrigerant
If your unit is using R-22, you should start preparing for a replacement. R-22 Freon has been found to be environmentally dangerous and is no longer produced or imported into the United States. If your unit runs out of it, your HVAC tech might still be able to use recycled R-22, but it can cost you much more than a typical AC unit repair.
The Bottom Line
A malfunctioning AC isn’t always in need of a replacement. Simple repairs can be done without need for replacement, however, if you observe the above signs, it is probably time to replace the unit. Pay attention to the performance of your unit every now and then so that a new AC won’t be an unexpected purchase. For any professional assistance, you can contact Blount Heating and Cooling at (706) 548-6933. We have a trained team of technicians who can help you with your unit’s repair, maintenance, and replacement. Schedule a consultation today, and we will help you determine the right options for your heating and cooling needs.